Accounting Degrees in California

Introduction

California is the largest economy in the U.S., leading the nation in several industries, including technology, biotech, agriculture, entertainment, manufacturing, and tourism. All the “Big Four” international CPA firms have offices in California (Deloitte & Touche, KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Ernst & Young), and the state is home to many of the country’s largest and most important businesses, such as Apple, Disney, Chevron, and Wells Fargo. California is the largest employer of CPAs in the country, and more than 147,00 accountants and auditors play a key role in keeping these industries successful and competitive. The state is also one of the top paying for accountants, who earn an annual mean wage of $83,540.

California at a glance

Population

39,536,653

Per Capita Income

$30,441

Unemployment Rate

4.1%

Fortune 500 Companies

55

Licensed CPA Firms

6,362

Accounting Programs in California

Search our comprehensive school directory to explore the accounting programs in California, including campus-based, online and hybrid programs.

schools match your search

School

Degree Levels

State

Accounting Salaries and Employment

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of accounting jobs in California will rise by nearly 17% between 2012-22. That increase amounts to more than 25,000 new accounting jobs created each year in the Golden State.

California’s anticipated rate of growth for CPAs outpaces the expected national average by almost 4%. With a mean annual income of $78,000, California CPAs are the highest paid in the nation.

Becoming a certified public accountant (CPA) in California

The rules for becoming a CPA in California are in a state of transition. There are currently three active sets of criteria two of which only apply to individuals who passed all four parts of the Uniform CPA Exam prior to December 31st 2013. The third set of standards applies to all others but will only remain in effect until January, 2017 when a permanent set of standards that includes 10 credits of ethics education take effect.

When these changes in California’s CPA requirements take full effect in 2017 their licensing requirements will become the most rigorous in the United States.

Eligibility for CPA Licensure in California

For now, California closely follows the same national standards as other states. Therefore candidates are required to complete 150 credit hours of postsecondary education and posses at least a bachelor’s degree before they are eligible to sit for the CPA exam.

California’s work experience requirements for licensure depend upon if and when the applicant passed the Uniform CPA Exam. The education requirements are available in the CPA Licensing Handbook.

CPA exam fees in California

Total:$932

Application Fee$100

Auditing & Attestation$208

Financial Accounting & Reporting$208

Regulation$208

Business Environment & Concepts$208

Special Fees: $50 re-examination application fee (If you fail one section of the exam you can pay to re-register for just that portion of the exam. All sections must be passed within 18 months of your first test date.)

Certifying and Professional Organizations

California’s CPA eligibility and licensing requirements; current and pending, are enumerated in Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations. They are available online through the California State Board of Accountancy.

The California Board of Accountancy has made a report title the Sunset Review Report detailing pending changes in regulations.